Automatic speed control for treadmill

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of a subject on a treadmill and adjusting the speed of tread to maintain the subject&#39;s position on the treadmill.

FIELD

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of a subject on a treadmill and adjusting the speed of tread to maintain the subject's position on the treadmill.

BACKGROUND

Treadmills provide users with the opportunity to walk or run for a simulated distance while remaining indoors. Treadmills typically comprise a motor-driven belt (tread) that the subject walks or runs upon. The speed of the tread can typically be adjusted manually by the user or automatically according to the preset program.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of a subject on a treadmill and adjusting the speed of tread to maintain the object's position on the treadmill.

In some embodiments, provided herein are systems comprising a treadmill and a position monitor, wherein the treadmill comprises a motor-driven tread capable of supporting a subject and moving (e.g., rotating) at multiple speeds, and a position monitor configured to monitor the position of a subject standing on the tread; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a forward direction (opposing the movement of the tread), then the speed of the tread is increased; and wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a backward direction (with the movement of the tread), then the speed of the tread is decreased.

In some embodiments, the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the subject on the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor comprises a multidimensional (e.g., 2D, 3D, etc.) detector. In some embodiments, the position monitor detects forward movement of the subject if the subject passes a defined point or line on the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line on the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the subject on the tread and the speed of the tread is increased or decreased to maintain stable forward-to-backward position of the object on the tread.

In some embodiments, a system further comprises a processor that receives signals and/or data from the position monitor and sends instructions to increase or decrease the speed of the motor. In some embodiments, a system further comprises a controller that receives instructions to increase or decrease the speed of the motor from the processor and physically executes those instructions, resulting in an increase or decrease in the speed of the tread. In some embodiments, a system further comprises a memory unit operably linked to the processor. In some embodiments, the memory unit stores pre-programmed tread speed routines that are selectable by a user. In some embodiments, a system further comprises a user interface (e.g., for manually adjusting speeds, for selecting pre-programmed speed routines, etc.). In some embodiments, the memory unit stores data sent from the position monitor. In some embodiments, upon receiving a signal or data from the position monitor that a subject is advancing or retreating on the tread, the processor instructs the controller to increase or decrease the speed of the tread, partially or completely overriding a selected pre-programmed tread speed routine.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of maintaining the position of a subject on a treadmill, the method comprising running a motor-driven tread of the treadmill at a first speed capable, detecting forward and/or backward movement of the subject on the tread, and monitoring the position of the subject on the tread; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a forward direction opposing the movement of the tread, then the speed of the tread is increased; and wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a backward direction with the movement of the tread, then the speed of the tread is decreased. In some embodiments, the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the subject on the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor detects forward movement of the subject if the subject passes a defined point or line on the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line on the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the subject on the tread and the speed of the tread is increased or decreased to maintain stable forward-to-backward position of the object on the tread.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Exemplary treadmill system comprising a tread 5 driven by a motor 10 and a position monitor 20 comprising a forward sensor 24 and a backward sensor 22. The forward sensor 24 generates a forward detection beam/wave 25 and the backward sensor 22 generates a backward detection beam/wave 23. A processor 30 received data/signals from the position monitor 20 via an operative linkage 61 and directs a controller to adjust the speed of the motor 10 and tread 5 via operative linkages 62/63. The processor is further operatively linked 64/65 to a user interface 60 and memory unit 50.

FIG. 2. Exemplary treadmill system comprising a tread 5 driven by a motor 10 and a position monitor 20 comprising a position sensor 26 generating a position detection beam/wave 27. A processor 30 received data/signals from the position monitor 20 via an operative linkage 61 and directs a controller to adjust the speed of the motor 10 and tread 5 via operative linkages 62/63. The processor is further operatively linked 64/65 to a user interface 60 and memory unit 50.

DEFINITIONS

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments described herein, some preferred methods, compositions, devices, and materials are described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. However, in case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. Accordingly, in the context of the embodiments described herein, the following definitions apply.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a position monitor” is a reference to one or more position detector and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of listed items, including any of the listed items individually. For example, “A, B, and/or C” encompasses A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, and ABC, each of which is to be considered separately described by the statement “A, B, and/or C.”

As used herein, the term “comprise” and linguistic variations thereof denote the presence of recited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. without the exclusion of the presence of additional feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. Conversely, the term “consisting of” and linguistic variations thereof, denotes the presence of recited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. and excludes any unrecited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc., except for ordinarily-associated impurities. The phrase “consisting essentially of” denotes the recited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. and any additional feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. that do not materially affect the basic nature of the composition, system, or method. Many embodiments herein are described using open “comprising” language. Such embodiments encompass multiple closed “consisting of” and/or “consisting essentially of” embodiments, which may alternatively be claimed or described using such language.

As used herein, the “treadmill” refers to any motor-driven device that allows a subject to walk/run are variable paces.

As used herein, the terms “tread” “refers to the motor-driven belt of a treadmill that the user stands/walks/runs upon.

As used herein, the term “controller” refers to any hardware, software, firmware, etc., or combinations thereof that is operative to receive instructions (e.g., in the form of an electronic signal or data) and to control devices accordingly (e.g., mechanical devices).

As used herein, the term “processor” refers to a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). The processor is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of a subject on a treadmill and adjusting the speed of tread to maintain the object's position on the treadmill.

Provided herein are systems comprising treadmills, the speed of which can be modulated by detecting the forward or backward movement of a subject on the treadmill. In some embodiments, a motor-driven tread rotates along the length of the treadmill, providing a moving running surface for a subject. The moving tread allows a subject to run, walk, or otherwise move in a single direction against the direction of the tread, without advancing forward. In order to function properly (e.g., maintaining the appropriate position of a subject on the tread), the speed of the tread must match the pace of the subject (e.g., the tread must move at a pace sufficient to prevent the subject from advancing toward the front of the treadmill while not being too strong to move the subject backward toward the rear of the treadmill). If the subject runs/walks at the same pace as the tread moves, then the position of the subject on the treadmill will be maintained. If the speed of the tread is changed (e.g., manually by the subject, due to a programed speed routine, etc.) and the subject changes pace accordingly, then the subject's position on the treadmill will be maintained. However, on traditional treadmills (e.g., treadmills lacking a position monitor described herein) if the subject's pace does not match that of the tread, the subject will advance forward or retreat backward on the tread; the subject must either increase/decrease their own run/walk speed, manually adjust the pace of the tread (e.g., with the UI of the treadmill, or risk running into the front of the treadmill or falling off the rear. Traditional treadmills are incapable of detecting changes in the position of a subject and adjusting the pace of the tread in response (other than by automatically shutting off the treadmill in response to a pull on a physical tether). In some embodiments, the treadmill systems herein are equipped with a position monitor (e.g., touch-less position monitor) that detects forward and/or backward movement of the subject relative to the tread or treadmill and adjusts the speed of the tread accordingly (e.g., to match the speed of the subject, to prevent the subject from advancing/retreating on the tread, to maintain the subject's position on the tread, etc.).

In some embodiments, a desired pace is selected by a user or determined based on a selected programmed routine. If the position monitor detects the user advancing or retreating on the tread, the speed of the tread is adjusted from the selected or determined pace, in order to maintain the proper position of the user on the tread.

In some embodiments, the position monitor and the pace of the user determine the pace of the treat. As the user speeds up, the position monitor detects the user advancing on the tread and speeds up the motor to compensate. As the user slows down, the position monitor detects the user retreating on the tread and slow up the motor to compensate.

Provided herein are treadmills (e.g., for running, walking, roller skiing, etc.). In some embodiments, a treadmill is a motor driven treadmill. In some embodiments, a treadmill is an electronically controlled treadmill. A suitable treadmill comprises a platform base and upright frame. The platform base houses a tread and a motor for turning the tread and creating a running surface for a user. The upright frame supports a console comprising a user interface. Processor, controller, memory, position monitor(s), and any connections therebetween may be housed in any suitable structure on the treadmill.

In some embodiments, the systems and devices herein comprise a component or set of components, referred to herein as a position monitor, that functions to determine whether a subject on the treadmill is advancing against the movement of the tread or retreating with the movement of the tread. In some embodiments, if the position monitor detects the subject advancing against the movement of the tread, a signal is sent to increase the speed of the motor (speed of the tread). In some embodiments, if the position monitor detects the subject retreating with movement of the tread, a signal is sent to reduce the speed of the motor (speed of the tread).

In some embodiments, a position monitor continuously monitors the position of a subject on the tread. In some embodiments, a position monitor monitors the position of a subject every 0.1 seconds, 0.2 second, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, or less frequently, or ranges therebetween.

In some embodiments, the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the subject on the treadmill. In some embodiments, the position monitor comprises a multidimensional (e.g., 2D, 3D, etc.) detector. In some embodiments, a multidimensional detector allows the position monitor to record data regarding the rate of change of the of the position of the subject (e.g., velocity, acceleration, etc.) not merely positional data. In some embodiments, a position monitor comprises multiple sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more or ranges therebetween (e.g., 4 or more)).

In some embodiments, adjustments to the speed of the motor (speed of the tread) may be made continuously. In some embodiments, adjustments to the speed of the motor (speed of the tread) are made once every 0.1 seconds, 0.2 second, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, or less frequently, or ranges therebetween). In some embodiments, adjustments to the speed of the motor (speed of the tread) are made when the subject/object advances or retreats a set or predetermined distance (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 6 feet, or more, or ranges therebetween). In some embodiments, adjustments to the speed of the motor (speed of the tread) are made when the subject advances or retreats a set or predetermined percent of the distance to toward the front of the treadmill (e.g., toward the upright frame or console) or toward the rear of the platform, or other set/predetermined position (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or more, or ranges therebetween).

In some embodiments, a position monitor detects if an object/subject advances beyond a set or predetermined position on the treadmill (e.g., line across the tread (e.g., orthogonal to the movement of the tread)). In some embodiments, the speed of the motor (speed of the tread) is increased in response to a signal from the position monitor that the subject has advanced beyond the set or predetermined position on the treadmill. In some embodiments, a position monitor detects if an subject retreats beyond a set or predetermined position on the treadmill (e.g., line across the treadmill (e.g., orthogonal to the movement of the tread)). In some embodiments, the speed of the motor (speed of the tread) is decreased in response to a signal from the position monitor that the subject has retreated beyond a set or predetermined position on the treadmill. In some embodiments, the position of the subject is detected only when it advances and/or retreats beyond a set or predetermined position.

In some embodiments, the position monitor is operatively linked to the tread drive motor (i.e., motor) such that the speed (or force) of the motor is adjusted in response to changes in the position of a subject on the treadmill. In some embodiments, a system or device herein comprises one or more processors, memory components, controllers, user interfaces, and other electronic components to facilitate adjusting the speed of the motor (and tread) in response to the position of the subject (or changes in position (e.g., advancing or retreating).

In some embodiments, the tread drive motor is operatively linked (e.g., via a controller) to a processor. For example, the processor may direct a controller to adjust the force/power/speed of the motor to increase or decrease the speed of the tread. In some embodiments, the position monitor is operatively linked to a processor. For example, data regarding the position of a subject/object on the treadmill (e.g., relative to the front or rear of the tread, relative to the position of position monitoring sensors, etc.) may be sent from the position monitor to the processor. In some embodiments, a signal is sent from the position monitor to the processor if the subject advances or retreats (e.g., beyond a threshold). In some embodiments, the processor directs changes in the speed of the motor (e.g., via a controller) based on the signal and/or data the processor receives from the position monitor.

In some embodiments, a memory component (e.g., associated with or operatively linked to the processor) stores data related to the position of the object/subject, whether the subject advanced/retreated beyond the threshold, the speed/force of the motor, the speed/pace of the tread, changes made to the speed, duration, etc.

In some embodiments, the speed/pace of the motor and tread is set and/or changes according to a program that is saved on a memory component of the device. In some embodiments, the speed/pace is increased/decreased according to the program. In some embodiments, adjustments to the speed/pace are made (e.g., overriding the preset program, adjusting the program, temporarily, etc.) if a subject on the treadmill advances or retreats along the tread.

In some embodiments, the processor, memory component, controller, and/or other operably linked components are configured to monitor the output (e.g., in watts, kjoules, steps, estimated distance travelled (e.g., miles, km, etc.)) of a user on the treadmill. In some embodiments, methods are provided in which the system is programmed to allow the user to run a set “distance,” before the program ends or the user is alerted. As the subject runs/walks faster, the position monitor detects forward movement and the tread speed is increased. As the subject runs/walks slower, the position monitor detects reverse movement and the tread speed is decreased. The length of time it takes to complete a distance program will be dependent upon the pace of the user.

The systems, devices, and/or components described herein find use in maintaining the position of a subject on a treadmill. A subject may wish to walk or run on a treadmill for any purposes, for example, for rehabilitation (e.g., from an injury, from a stroke, etc.), recreation, exercise, competition (e.g., running races, triathlons, etc.), etc. 

1. A system comprising a treadmill and a position monitor, wherein the treadmill comprises a motor-driven tread capable of supporting a subject and moving at multiple speeds, and the position monitor is configured to monitor the position of a subject standing on the tread; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a forward direction opposing the movement of the tread, then the speed of the tread is increased; and wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a backward direction with the movement of the tread, then the speed of the tread is decreased.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the subject on the tread.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the position monitor detects forward movement of the subject if the subject passes a defined point or line on the tread.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line on the tread.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the subject on the tread and the speed of the tread is increased or decreased to maintain stable forward-to-backward position of the object on the tread.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a processor that receives signals and/or data from the position monitor and sends instructions to increase or decrease the speed of the motor.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a controller that receives instructions to increase or decrease the speed of the motor from the processor and physically executes those instructions, resulting in an increase or decrease in the speed of the tread.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a memory unit operably linked to the processor.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the memory unit stores pre-programmed tread speed routines that are selectable by a user.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a user interface.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the memory unit stores data sent from the position monitor.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein upon receiving a signal or data from the position monitor that a subject is advancing or retreating on the tread, the processor instructs the controller to increase or decrease the speed of the tread, partially or completely overriding a selected pre-programmed tread speed routine.
 13. A method of maintaining the position of a subject on a treadmill, the method comprising running a motor-driven tread of the treadmill at a first speed capable, detecting forward and/or backward movement of the subject on the tread, and monitoring the position of the subject on the tread; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a forward direction opposing the movement of the tread, then the speed of the tread is increased; and wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the subject in a backward direction with the movement of the tread, then the speed of the tread is decreased.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the subject on the tread.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the position monitor detects forward movement of the subject if the subject passes a defined point or line on the tread.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line on the tread.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the subject on the tread and the speed of the tread is increased or decreased to maintain stable forward-to-backward position of the object on the tread. 